Suffolk Judge Faces Opposition In Path Toward NY Court of Appeals

BRENTWOOD, NY — Gov. Kathy Hochul's pick for chief judge of the New York state Court of Appeals could be headed for rejection by state senators.

Judge Hector LaSalle, of Brentwood, has faced a growing opposition since Hochul nominated him about two weeks ago.

Several state Democrats, such as Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris, have already rejected LaSalle.

"I believe Justice LaSalle represents a continuation of a status quo that sullied the Court’s reputation and ruled inconsistently with NYers values," Gianaris wrote on Twitter. "I will vote ‘no’ should the nomination be brought to the Senate floor."

State Senator Rachel May (D-Syracuse) said LaSalle's prior work as a lead gang prosecutor and deputy bureau chief of the special investigations bureau in the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office would disadvantage criminal justice reform for years, The New York Post reported.

“After a careful review of the nominee, I am forced to conclude he would be regressive on issues impacting women’s rights, labor issues, and climate change. I will be a ‘no’ on Judge LaSalle,” May tweeted.

Also of concern to liberals were some of LaSalle’s previous rulings while serving in the Second Department of the state Supreme Court’s Appellate Division in Brooklyn.

Robles Roman, former NYC Deputy Mayor for Legal/Counsel and current Dean of Faculty, told Spectrum News that senators are "cherry picking" less memorable parts of LaSalle's career.

Multiple other state officials did state their support for LaSalle, such as Senator Kevin Thomas, Senator-Elect Monica Martinez, Town of Islip Councilman Jorge C. Guadrón, and Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr.

"LIHBA knows that Chief Judge LaSalle has the ability and experience necessary to lead and improve the New York State Court system," said Veronica Renta Irwin, President of the Long Island Hispanic Bar Association. "Judge LaSalle's nomination as the first Hispanic Chief Judge of New York's highest Court provides meaningful representation of the Latinx community and will promote equal and fair justice for all New Yorkers."

Democrats, including Judiciary Committee Chairman Brad Hoylman, intend to move forward with a hearing for LaSalle, Spectrum News reported.

Patch has reached out to Governor Hochul's office for comment.